The year 1980 was not a kind time for us in the LGBTQA community. Same-sex sexual activity (in the words of the Supreme Court) had only been legal for 11 years. Homosexual rights were not even considered in the Canadian Constitution, and the right to serve openly in the military and the rights to marry any gender weren’t going to be recognized for another 12 and 15 years respectively. What was remarkable about this time however was the proud and courageous efforts of 75 individuals in Edmonton that gathered to celebrate that first Pride event. It started off small, as a baseball game followed by campfire, but its legacy has lived on. Edmonton Pride 2012 has again reserved its place as a destination Pride event, and has a few more firsts to announce.

Edmonton Pride Week begins on June 8th and runs until June 17th. The week is chalk-full of events involving all aspects of the community and many allies. The Pride Parade and Street Festival happen on Saturday, June 9th.

Warren Becker, Co-Chair of Edmonton Pride, took some time to talk with GayCalgary Magazine and is excited about its 32nd year. "This is the second year of our three year Pride Theme triad, Stand Up, Stand Out, and Stand Proud, and this year we are definitely living up to our theme (Stand Out)."

"We are so excited to have the Trustees from the Edmonton Public School Board as our Grand Marshalls this year. They have really showed us what it is like to stand out by taking a historical and monumental stand on important issues affecting our youth," adds Becker. This year, the trustees passed an anti-bullying policy that includes protections for LGBTA students in Edmonton public schools. "Along with our Pride Theme this year, having the Trustees lead the parade makes sense. We will also be including all those that help to make anti-bullying a reality including the Edmonton Police and Camp fYrefly."

Politically, Alberta has had a tumultuous year.  Edmonton Pride is well aware and has embraced this in a historic fashion. Gracing the stage at the Celebration on the Square, Presented by TD, will be none other than Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel, Alberta Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk, and Premier Alison Reford. As re-elected Premier, Conservative Redford gained many LGBTA voters in the last provincial election either as strategic votes or ones of confidence. Either way, Redford’s attendance at Edmonton Pride is a definite favourable move in a pledge to be a Premier for all citizens of Alberta. Becker adds "Alison Redford is definitely standing out as a speaker. She is showcasing her community focus, and is telling us that we are indeed first-class citizens."

The Pride Board is thrilled to be hosting numerous events throughout the week and is especially happy with their community partners. "This year our community has really enhanced Pride week," states Becker.  All of the events are listed in their guide on page 2 of this edition, with further event details available on the Edmonton Pride website.

The highlight of the week by all accounts is the Pride Parade and Celebration on June 9th. The parade begins at noon at 108th Street, travelling eastbound on 102nd Avenue, and ending on 99th Street. The floats and marchers are many; Becker projects an attendance of 27,000 spectators and participants. The Celebration on the Square Presented by TD, as mentioned, will have some illustrious speakers. It is also going to be host to a myriad of entertainers, vendors, and of course a gigantic and always popular beer garden.

Pride, like any other festival, comes at an enormous cost, and so the Board appreciates any donations to ensure that each year gets better and better. This year’s festival is estimated to cost in the ballpark of $250,000, and without the financial support of sponsors and generous donors, the celebration would not happen. Make sure to check out donation spots at the Festival, or feel free to donate online on Edmonton Pride’s website.

Becker is in awe of all of the hard work and dedication it takes to plan Edmonton Pride, and he is quick to recognize these efforts. "Thank you so much to the entire volunteer Board that have worked so hard all year for this. The workload this year was crazy. Thank you also goes out to all of our countless volunteers that help us run our events. And for the Sponsors, thank you for making Edmonton Pride happen this year."

There is one individual that Becker would like to give the utmost gratitude for. "This year we were fortunate enough to hire a part-time employee to the organization. Festival Manager Angela Bennett has put in tireless amounts of time and energy into making sure that we are a success. Thank you Angela, we wouldn’t be here without you."